Jerold Monson

Jerold Jerome Monson, 92, of Crookston, MN, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, July 19, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston, with family at his side.

Jerold was born on the family farm of his parents, Carl B. and Myrtle (Bartz) Monson, near Fertile, MN, on August 24, 1929. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, began his education at a nearby country school, and later attended Fertile-Beltrami High School. Jerold worked on area farms for a few years until entering the US Army on September 18, 1951. He served overseas in Korea during the Korean War with the 5th Army, 2nd Division, 37th Battalion, as an artillery specialist. He received his honorable discharge on May 28, 1953 and returned home. For his service to his Country Cpl Jerold J. Monson was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze service stars and the United Nations Service Medal, as well as several commendations.

On September 9, 1953 Jerold was united in marriage to the love of his life, Loretta Mae Ruther, at the First Evanger Church in Fertile. They made their first home near Fertile until moving to Crookston 6 months later. Their marriage would be blessed by the births of son, Nathan, and daughter, Nerissa. Jerold was employed on a farm near Crookston for several years while working at various construction jobs during the winter months. In 1958 he began employment with the Crookston Mill Works and then in 1978 became a carpenter for Agassiz Construction until his retirement in 1991.

Jerold loved being outdoors, whether fishing or hunting, but was definitely in his glory when tending to his corn, tomato, and vegetable garden or his beautiful flower beds. He also enjoyed building model planes and cars and listening to country western music. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, and Crookston’s American Legion Post 20 and VFW Post 1902. Jerold was devoted to his family, and he and Loretta took great pride in the accomplishments of their kids, Nate and Nerissa, and their families that grew to include wonderful spouses and the most beautiful grandkids and great grandkids anyone could ever hope for. Sadly, Loretta passed away on July 25, 2005.

Left to mourn Jerold’s passing, while giving thanks for sharing in his life, are his 2 children: Nathan Monson and wife, Leighan, of West Fargo, ND and Nerissa LaCoursiere and husband, Michael, of Oklee, MN; 6 grandchildren: David (Liz) Monson, Andrew (Melissa) Monson, Mitchele (Stacey) LaCoursiere, Samantha (Michael) Pinter, Melissa (Zach) Nelson, and Anthony LaCoursiere; and 10 great-grandchildren: Owen Monson, Jaden, Zachary, and Lane Nelson, Annika, Natalie, Owen, and Caleb Pinter, and Aisley and Eliana LaCoursiere. He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Arvid (Priscilla) Monson of Fertile; and 2 sisters, Elaine Larson of Fertile and Joyce Priewe of Lake Park, MN; together with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

In addition to Loretta, his beloved wife of 51 years, Jerold was preceded in death by his grandson, David Monson; parents, Carl and Myrtle Monson; sister, Marlene Monson; brother and sister-in-law, Clayton (Norma) Monson; and brothers-in-law, Maynard Larson and Roger Priewe. May God richly bless the memory of Jerold Jerome Monson.

A memorial service celebrating Jerold’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, July 25, 2022, at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston, MN with The. Rev. Jeff Brown, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the service. The funeral will be livestreamed by going to Jerold’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Burial will take place in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston, with Military Honors provided by the Moorhead, MN National Guard Funeral Honors Team and the Crookston Veterans Council.